Man Punched During Cell Phone Robbery Dies from Injuries

Minneapolis police say a man that was robbed of his cell phone and punched on Thursday, Aug. 22, has died after being in the hospital for nearly two weeks.

Police say 44-year-old Adrian Hernandez was punched and then fell, hitting his head on the ground. It happened shortly after bar closing time on Hennepin Avenue and 10th Street North in downtown Minneapolis.

One man has been arrested and charged with assault and robbery.

According to court documents, Vereice Washington of Brooklyn Park admitted to police that he asked Hernandez to use his cell phone, and when the victim refused, Washington says he and two accomplices decided to rob him.

Washington says it was his accomplice who hit Hernandez but admitted to police that he took the phone from the victim's pocket. Charges against Washington will likely be amended.

Minneapolis Police say cell phones are increasingly becoming the target of thieves. They recommend that users be aware of their surroundings and keep their cell phones out of the view of the public, especially while walking at night.